Leadership

Founder

Alex McRae

Alex is responsible for the strategic direction of Planet of AWE, which includes administration of the board, program and service development, financial, tax, fundraising management, and making sure that the organization and its partnerships are aligned with Planet of AWE’s mission. Alex earned a BS in Engineering Management, with a focus in Environmental Engineering, from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Alex is a certified Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, Project Management Professional (PMP), and Engineer-In-Training (EIT). He has also published a few articles in peer-reviewed journals regarding environmental sustainability. Alex is currently an Environmental Engineer for the U.S. Army at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Director of Community Outreach & Faith Programs

Chris Asmus

Chris is responsible for attracting new organizations and individuals to Planet of AWE. Chris has a profound ability to inspire those around him, his genuine love of life is extremely contagious. Chris recieved his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies & Master of Divinity from the University of Northwestern St. Paul. His unparalleled devotion to community leadership is exactly what Planet of AWE’s mission is about. Chris is focused on community engagement and the development of leaders within those communities to inspire them to take charge and improve their local environment. Chris is currently a Pastor at Woodland Park Community Church in Woodland Park, Colorado where he lives with his wife, Alex, and their dog, Lilly. Chris loves good books, strong coffee, and writing music.

Program Director

Kyle Maggard

Kyle provides strategic and operational guidance to the organization. His understanding of sustainability and the ability to implement initiatives on a broad scale is critical to AWE’s mission. He is currently the Assistant Director of Sustainability for Fort Carson, where he applies his passion for sustainable urban growth by promoting smart development, renewable energy, resource efficiency, and carbon neutral transportation. Additionally, Kyle is a member of the City of Colorado Springs Sustainability Committee, and is dedicated to helping the Pikes Peak region develop into a leader in the fight against climate change. Kyle holds a master’s degree in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge, a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Management from the United States Military Academy, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. In his free time, Kyle enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two dogs.

Director of Social Impact

Ryan Leets

Ryan is responsible for the conceptualization, development, and implementation of social impact
programs for Planet of AWE. Ryan brings extensive leadership and project management experience to the AWE community through his work in military construction and as an entrepreneur in the fitness industry. In 2016, Ryan and his wife, Kesha, opened Cycology Studio, LLC, an indoor “bike-to- the-beat” cycling studio in downtown Colorado Springs. As members of the Colorado Springs small business community, Ryan and Kesha are committed to providing opportunities and an improved quality of life to individuals of all income levels. Additionally, Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy and is an active Project Management Professional (PMP). Outside of his work in the military and at Cycology Studio, Ryan is an avid backcountry skier, retired college hockey player, husband, and soon-to- be father.

Director of Finance

Ken Rowe

Ken will be responsible for budgeting, revenue forecasting, cash flow accounting, and financial analysis. This fall Ken will be pursuing his MBA at Harvard Business School in Cambridge, MA where he hopes to develop the skill set necessary to influence business decisions with a sustainable mindset. He is currently working as an Equity Research Intern at Wedbush Securities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ken recently transitioned out of the military where he held numerous positions of significant influence, was a U.S. Army Ranger, and completed multiple deployments oversees. Ken was a Division 1 hockey player at the United States Military Academy at West Point where he studied Environmental Geography. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys skiing and trail running with his wife, Maile, who is a Harvard Law student.

Marketing Director

Kesha Leets

Kesha will be responsible for the planning and management of AWE’s marketing, public relations and strategic communications program. She brings tremendous insight to AWE from her experience working in the publishing industry. In this position, Kesha uses data-driven metrics to create efficient marketing campaigns, maximizing visibility and sales. Although Kesha still maintains this position, she’s currently working on opening an indoor cycling studio, fulfilling her passion for fitness. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and now lives in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband, Ryan and their fur child, London. The Leets family take advantage of the Rockies in all seasons by hiking, camping, skiing and exploring. It’s her goal to do her part in preserving our world so her children, and children’s children can enjoy the same planet we do. Kesha is excited to connect like-minded people through Planet of AWE’s mission!

Executive Director

John McRae

John was ‘green’ before it was cool to be ‘green’. Whether it was picking up random trash for no apparent reason or planting trees on his days off, John has been fundamental in the development of AWE’s mission and vision. He has over 45 years of experience in agricultural and land management as both a business owner and employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because of his career and professional work, he understands the relationship between our natural environment and local economies better than most. Applying this knowledge, John will continue to enable AWE to not only facilitate stewardship projects that protect the environment but also projects that are economical for communities and individuals.

Pick It Up

Urbanization has resulted in an explosion of waste in our parks, rivers, and along roadways. Just a few determined individuals can make a tremendous impact in a short amount of time. Start or Join a Trash Pickup Today!

Pick It Up

Plant Life

The benefits of trees are astonishing. Trees reduce energy demands, improve air quality, strengthen habitats, and play a critical role in our pursuit of a healthier and more stable planet. Start or Join a Tree Plant Today!

Plant Life

Live Sustainably

Community gardens, recycling programs, rain catchment systems, or just replacing outdated light bulbs can drastically reduce the demand on our natural environment as well as save you money! Share or Explore How To Live Sustainably Here!

Live Sustainably

Eat Local

Typical grocery items travel 1500 miles to get there. Eating local reduces fossil fuel demand, supports the local economy, and prevents food from being unnaturally ripened and preserved. See or Share Places to Eat Local Here!

Eat Local

Commute Smarter

Time, stress, and greenhouse gas are all great reasons to change how we travel. We promote fuel-efficient automobiles, rideshares, public transportation, and non-motorized travel. Explore How You Can Commute Smarter Here!